Radiant heat barrier and method of using same

ABSTRACT

A radiant heating system that includes a radiant heating element and a radiant heat barrier that cooperates with the heating element to heat a heated space of a building. The barrier is designed to be installed in a framing bay between adjacent framing members of the building. The barrier includes a rigid member that defines a concave surface that faces the heating element. The concave surface is thermally reflective so as to reflect radiant heat from the heating element back toward the heating element and the heated space.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the field of heating systems for habitable structures. In particular, the present invention is directed to a radiant heat barrier and method of using same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Radiant heating systems, such as hydronic and electrical resistance type radiant floor and ceiling heating systems, are becoming increasingly popular for heating private homes and public spaces. This is so due to a number of factors, including declining costs and the increase in personal comfort as compared to other types of heating systems, e.g., forced hot air and baseboard type systems.

In many conventional radiant floor heating systems, one or more radiant heating elements, e.g., hydronic tubing or electrical resistance mats, are located beneath a finished floor of a heated space above. The radiant heating element is typically embedded either in a lightweight concrete (typically, hydronic) or mastic (typically, electrical resistance mat) layer located above the floor framing or, alternatively, located below the subflooring between adjacent floor joists (typically, hydronic or electric). In any of these cases, it is important that the heat energy radiated from the radiant heating element be provided as completely as practicable to the space intended to be heated by the heating system. In the case of a radiant floor heating system, this heated space is typically the space directly above the floor.

In some existing installations, heat from the heating element(s) is inhibited from reaching the space below the flooring system by providing various types of conventional insulation. One type of such insulation is a multilayer mat having thermally reflective outer layers and a thermally insulating core sandwiched between the outer layers. An example of such a multilayer mat is the currently available ASTRO-FOIL® insulation mat that consists of aluminum foil outer layers sandwiching two plastic bubble-cell layers. These mats are generally sold in roll form in widths wider than typical inter-joist clear spacing and are often installed within the joist bays between spaced adjacent floor joists. A typical installation involves: 1) centering the mat width-wise within the joist bay; 2) pushing the insulation upward but not into contact with the underside of the subflooring and radiant heating element, if present; 3) folding the over-width marginal portions along the joists downward; and 4) stapling these marginal portions to the joists to fasten the mat into place. This installation process is relatively labor-intensive, particularly in the folding and stapling of the marginal portions. The installation of a number of other types of heat barriers have their own installation shortcomings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a radiant heating system for installation in a structure that includes a heated space and has at least one framing bay defined by a pair of adjacent framing members and having a first longitudinal axis. The radiant heating system comprises a radiant heating element configured to be located proximate to or within the at least one framing bay defined by the pair of adjacent framing members. The heating element is designed to provide heat to the heated space when installed. A radiant heat barrier is configured to be installed in the at least one framing bay. The radiant heat barrier comprises a substantially rigid member that includes, when installed in the at least one framing bay, a concave surface spaced from the heating element and facing the heating element and the heated space. The concave surface defines a concave region having a second longitudinal axis parallel to the first longitudinal axis of the at least one framing bay when installed therein.

A method of installing a radiant heat barrier in a radiant heating system of a structure having a heated space and that includes a framing bay having a longitudinal axis. The framing bay is located between a pair of adjacent framing members having a clear spacing therebetween, and the heating system includes a radiant heating element configured to be located proximate to or within the at least one framing bay. The heating element is designed to provide heat to the heated space. The method comprises providing a radiant heat barrier comprising a substantially rigid body having a concave surface that defines a concave region extending along the radiant heat barrier at least when the radiant heat barrier is installed. The radiant heat barrier is installed in the framing bay so that the concave surface faces the heated space and the radiant heating element.

A radiant heat barrier for installation in a structure including a heated space and a radiant heating system for heating the heated space. The structure includes at least one framing bay having a first longitudinal axis and being defined by a pair of adjacent framing members having a clear spacing therebetween. The radiant heating system comprising at least one radiant heat element for providing heat to the heated space. The radiant heat barrier comprises a member having a length and that is substantially flexurally stiff in a direction transverse to the length. The member has a configuration selected so that, at least when the member is installed in the at least one framing bay such that the length extends parallel to the first longitudinal axis of the framing bay, the member has a longitudinal concave surface extending along said length and facing the heating element and the heated space.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings show a form of the invention that is presently preferred. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a radiant floor heating system of the present invention that includes an electrical resistance mat heating element located in a mastic layer above subflooring;

FIG. 2 is a reduced cross-sectional view as taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1 showing a multiple panel radiant heat barrier in a single joist bay;

FIG. 3A is an enlarged cross-sectional view as taken along line 3A-3A of FIG. 2 showing a panel joint detail for two adjacent radiant heat barrier panels; FIG. 3B is an enlarged cross-sectional view as taken along line 3B-3B of FIG. 2 showing an alternative panel joint detail for two adjacent radiant heat barrier panels;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view as taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2 showing a radiant heat barrier end closure;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a radiant floor heating system of the present invention that includes a hydronic tubing radiant heating element embedded in a lightweight concrete floor;

FIG. 6 is a cross-section view of a radiant floor heating system of the present invention that includes a hydronic radiant heating element located in a framing bay;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a radiant ceiling heating system of the present invention that includes a hydronic heating element located between spaced bottom truss chords;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a radiant floor heating system of the present invention in which a radiant heat barrier panel is secured to the underside of the flooring;

FIG. 9A is a plan view of a radiant heat barrier panel of the present invention; FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view as taken along line 9B-9B of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10A is a plan view of an alternative radiant heat barrier panel of the present invention;

FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view as taken along line 10B-10B of FIG. 10A; and

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a radiant heat barrier of the present invention that include integral thermal insulation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-4 illustrate a radiant heating system of the present invention, in this case a radiant floor heating system, which is generally denoted by the numeral 100 in FIGS. 1 and 2. In this example, radiant floor heating system 100 comprising a spanning structure, e.g., flooring 104, and one or more radiant heating elements, such as an electrical resistance mat 108, designed to heat the space 112 above the flooring and not the space 116 below the flooring. Since radiant floor heating system 100 is designed to heat space 112 but not space 116, an important feature of the system is the presence of a radiant heat barrier 120 (in this case, radiant heat barrier 120 includes three panels 120A-C as shown in FIG. 2) that provides a barrier that inhibits heat from electrical resistance mat 108 from reaching space 116.

Barrier 120 may provide its barrier effect by reflecting heat toward space 112 and/or by providing thermal resistance to convective and conductive heat. Consequently, each barrier panel 120A-C may include a reflective surface 120D (FIG. 1) facing heated space 112 and the heat source, in this case, electrical resistance mat 108. Each panel 120A-C may also, or alternatively, be made of a material that has a relatively high thermal resistance. Depending upon the thermal insulating requirements of radiant floor heating system 100, barrier panels 120A-C may be supplemented by conventional thermal insulation (not shown), such as fiberglass batting or rigid or cure-in-place foam insulation, among others.

Each barrier panel 120A-C is particularly designed to be installed in a framing bay 124, here, the space between adjacent floor joists 128A-B. In one embodiment, each barrier panel 120A-C is sized and constructed so that it retains a bowed shape and exerts a biasing force against the joists when properly installed. The biasing force may be large enough so that each panel 120A-C is self-supporting within joist bay 124 at least during installation due to the frictional forces between the joist-engaging edges 120E-F of the panel and the respective faces 132A-B of floor joists 128A-B. However, each barrier panel 120A-C need not be self-supporting. If not, or if downward slippage or movement is anticipated, e.g., due to the panel being subject to creep, or set, over time or, in the case of a pre-curved panel (see FIGS. 9A-B) having a relaxed overall width less than the clear spacing CS between floor joists 128A-B, one or more retainers, such as the stiff wire retainers 136 shown, may be provided to keep the panels in place or to provide a stop in the event that slippage or movement indeed occurs. Stiff wire retainers 136 may be insulation hangers conventionally used to retain batt-type insulation in joist bays. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, there are many other retainer types that may be used for retainer 136, such as wood blocking, metal stretchers, strapping, stapling, nailing, etc.

In order to retain its bowed shape and exert a biasing force, each barrier panel 120A-C may be designed to have an overall flexural stiffness between joist-engaging edges 120E-F sufficient for obtaining these goals, typically without requiring an inordinate amount of force by an installer to impart the bow into the panel for installation. The necessary stiffness may be provided to each panel 120A-C in a number of ways, including making the panel uniformly thick and selecting the material(s) and thickness to achieve the desired result or providing the panel with transverse stiffening ribs, among others. In other embodiments in which a biasing force is not utilized, e.g., if the biasing force is nominal or the relaxed overall width of each panel 120A-C is less than clear spacing CS between adjacent floor joists 128A-B, the stiffness and/or creep resistance of the panels need only be sufficient for the panels to retain their shape once installed. Several configurations and constructions suitable for barrier panels 120A-C and other barrier panels of the present invention are discussed below in connection with FIGS. 9A-B and 10A-B.

As mentioned above, each barrier panel 120A-C may be provided with reflective surface 120D. In such cases, reflective surface 120D should face heated space 112 and it is desirable, though not absolutely necessary, to install each barrier panel 120A-C so that it is concave upward as shown in FIG. 1 so as to form a converging-type reflector having a substantially parabolic shape. Indeed, the concave upward configuration of barrier panels 120A-C provide the benefit of not only directing heat back toward heated space, but also away from floor joists 128A-B. This additional benefit may be enhanced by purposely locating joist-engaging edges 120E-F of the panels close to flooring 104. Referring particularly to FIG. 1, each barrier panel 120A-C may have an installed bow offset IBO, i.e., the maximum perpendicular distance from a line connecting the uppermost (relative to FIG. 1) points of joist-engaging edges 120E-F to the concave surface of the panel, in this case, reflective surface 120D, of virtually any non-zero value. That said, an installed bow offset IBO of about one-sixteenth to about one-half of the clear spacing CS between floor joists 128A-B would be more typical for most installations. In the context of a bias-type installation, i.e., an installation in which a barrier panel 120A-C has at least a partial bow imparted into it during installation so that a bowing stress exists after installation, in which the panel has a substantially uniform stiffness across the width 140 of the panel, installed bow offset IBO will occur substantially in the center of the panel. By varying the stiffness across a bias-type panel of the present invention, the installed bow offset can be located off-center as desired.

In a joist-to-joist bias-type installation, i.e., an installation in which a panel is sprung between joists 128A-B, installed bow offset IBO results from making the relaxed overall width, i.e., the overall width in a direction perpendicular to joist-engaging edges 120E-F in the absence of any bowing forces, of each barrier panel 120A-C greater than clear spacing CS between floor joists 128A-B. Thus, installation of each such barrier panel 120A-C requires a force sufficient enough to move joist-engaging edges 120E-F toward one another a distance sufficient to allow the panel to be properly installed in confining space of framing bay 124.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 2 and 3A, which illustrate a typical installation, each framing bay 124 will usually require multiple barrier panels 120A-C placed and cooperating with one another along the length of the bay. While barrier panels 120A-C could be fabricated to lengths that would require only a single panel per framing bay 124, in many cases the lengths of the panels required would result in the panels being unwieldy. Typically, though not necessarily, barrier panels 120A-C are manufactured to conventional construction material lengths, such as (in the U.S.) 4 feet (1.22 m), 8 feet (2.44 m), and 12 feet (3.66 m).

It is desirable to seal the space 144 between flooring 104 and radiant heat barrier panels 120A-C from space 116 as thoroughly as practicable. As shown in FIG. 3A, when multiple barrier panels 120A-C are needed as in FIG. 2, this seal may be effected by overlapping adjacent panels 120A-B, e.g., by 2 inches to 3 inches (5.08 cm to 7.62 cm) or so, and placing the panels in contact with one another at the overlapped region 148. An additional sealing measure, such as providing a silicone, latex, etc. curable sealant 152 or other sealing means at the joint between the outwardly exposed edge 156 of the one barrier panel 120A and the outer surface 160 of the other panel 120B may be provided as desired. In the alternative joint of FIG. 3B, the longitudinal end edges 164A-B of adjacent barrier panels 120B-C may be abutted to each other and a sealing member 168, e.g., duct tape, foil tape, or the like, applied over the butted joint.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, for a more complete installation, an end closure 172 may be provided at each end of framing bay 124, e.g., against a rim joist 176 or other member present at the end of the framing bay, to define an essentially closed reflecting space substantially defined by barrier panels 120A-C, the end closures, and the underside of flooring 104. Alternatively, if heated space 112 above does not extend the entire length of framing bay 124, the end closure(s) 172 may be provided to substantially coincide with the extent of space 112 in a suitable manner, even if it does not abut a rim joist or other member transverse to the longitudinal axis of framing bay 124. Each end closure 172 may be fashioned from a barrier panel that is the same as barrier panels 120A-C, or may be prefabricated for a particular type of floor joist and/or a particular clear spacing CS. In this connection, it is noted that although floor joists 128A-B are shown as being dimensional-lumber joists (e.g., 2×10s, 2×12s, etc.), they may be of virtually any other type, such as a laminated beam, engineered-wood I-beam, engineered-wood truss, or metal truss, among others.

In one embodiment, wherein barrier panels 120A-C are flat sheets in their relaxed state, each end closure 172 may be made by cutting a piece widthwise from a panel, e.g., a 6-inch (15.24 cm) piece. Since the width of the cut piece is wider than clear spacing CS between floor joists 128A-B for the reasons discussed above, the cut piece may be scored and folded at its widthwise margins to create flanges 180 that define a U-shaped end closure 172. If reflective surface 120D is present, each end closure 172 should be installed with the reflective surface facing confining space 144 between flooring 104 and barrier panels 120A-C. If the fit is not tight enough for end closure 172 to be self-supporting, flanges 180 may be fastened to joists, e.g., by stapling. If end closures 172 are used, it may be convenient to install them prior to installing barrier panels 120A-C.

FIG. 5 illustrates a different radiant floor heating system 200 of the present invention in which the radiant heating element is hydronic tubing 204 embedded in a lightweight concrete slab 208 and floor joists 212A-B are engineered lumber trusses. As in conventional construction, slab 208 may be underlain by sheeting 216, e.g., plywood sheeting, that generally provides formwork for the concrete. Radiant heat barrier panel 220 may be the same as or similar to each barrier panel 120A-C of FIGS. 1-4, at least with respect to the alternative characteristics of being sprung between floor joists 212A-B over clear spacing CS′ or being installed without any biasing forces or even contact with the floor joists. Barrier panel 220 may be supplemented with insulation, in this case, expand-in-place foam insulation 224, as required to meet the insulation requirements of radiant floor heating system 200. In the present example, the stiffness and relaxed overall width of barrier panel 220 are great enough that the panel is self-supporting prior to the installation of foam insulation 224 and resists crushing due to any forces that may result from the expansion of the foam insulation prior to curing. Once foam insulation 224 has cured, barrier panel 220 is essentially locked in place by the foam insulation.

FIG. 6 illustrates yet another radiant floor heating system 300 of the present invention. In system 300, the radiant heating element includes hydronic tubing 304 and an aluminum heat distribution plate 308 fastened to the underside of the spanning structure, in this case, subflooring 312. Floor joists 316A-B are engineered lumber I-beams. Radiant heat barrier panel 320 may be the same as or similar to barrier panels 120A-C of FIGS. 1-4 and barrier panel 220 of FIG. 5. For example, barrier panel 320 may be sprung between floor joists 316A-B over clear spacing CS″. In the present example, the stiffness of barrier panel 320 is great enough that the panel is self-supporting and does not require any retainers. This is in contrast to the like type barrier panels 120A-C of FIGS. 1-4 for which retainers 136 were necessary, or at least desired to substantially reduce the likelihood of one or more of the panels becoming completely dislodged from framing bay 124. In FIG. 6, barrier panel 320 is supplemented with insulation, in this case, fiberglass batting 324, as required to meet the insulation requirements of radiant floor heating system 300.

It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that radiant heat barrier panels of the present invention, e.g., barrier panels 120, 220, 320 of FIGS. 1-6 may be used in radiant heating systems other than the radiant floor heating systems depicted in FIGS. 1-6. For example, barrier panels of the present invention may be used in radiant ceiling heating systems, such as radiant ceiling heating system 400 of FIG. 7, among others.

Referring to FIG. 7, radiant ceiling heating system 400 may include framing members 404A-B, e.g., the bottom-chord members of a roof truss (not shown) or ceiling/floor joists, a radiant heating element 408 in thermal communication with a spanning member 412, e.g., drywall, blueboard or plaster lath, and thermal insulation, such as blown-in cellulosic insulation 416. In this case, each barrier panel 420 may be bowed between framing members 404A-B within framing bay 424 so as to be concave-downward toward radiant heating element 408. Like barrier panels 120, 220, 320, barrier panel 420 may include a reflective surface 420A to reflect radiant heat from radiant heating element 408 toward the heated space 428 below ceiling sheeting 412. Although not shown, but will be understood by those skilled in the art, radiant heat barrier panels of the present invention may just as easily be used in wall applications in which the panels would span between adjacent wall studs in corresponding respective framing bays rather than between floor or ceiling framing members as illustrated above.

FIG. 8 illustrates a radiant floor heating system 500 that utilizes a panel-type radiant heat barrier 504 of the present invention that is fastened to the underside of the spanning structure, in this case subflooring 508, using, e.g., metal fasteners 512A-B. Barrier 500 may include lateral margin securements 516A-B, such as, e.g., laterally extending longitudinal flanges or laterally extending tabs, at the longitudinal margins for facilitating the securing of the barrier to subflooring 508. In other embodiments, barrier 504 may be secured in place using supports (not shown) such as insulation hangers that bias the barrier into contact with subflooring 508.

Like other embodiments of a radiant heat barrier of the present invention, barrier 504 may include a reflective surface 504A facing the heated space 520 above subflooring 508 for reflecting radiant heat from the radiant heating element 524 toward heated space 520. An important feature of barrier 504 is its curved shape, which provides an installed bow offset IBO′ and curved reflector for reflecting heat toward the heated space. As with barrier panels 120A-C, installed bow offset IBO′ may be virtually any value, such as a value in a range from one-half the clear spacing CS′″ between adjacent joists 528A-B to one-sixteenth this clear spacing. The installed effective width IEW of barrier 504, i.e., the width of the curved portion, may be any value suitable for a particular application. However, in general, barrier 504 will typically be more effective the closer it is to the clear spacing between joists 528A-B.

FIGS. 9A-B illustrate a radiant heat barrier panel 600 suitable for use in any one of radiant heating systems 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 of FIGS. 1-8, or other radiant heating systems. Barrier panel 600 may be described as a flat sheet, and includes a backing member 604 and a reflective layer 608 attached to the backing member. Backing member 604 may be made of any suitable material, such as wood, fiberboard, particle board, chip board, plastic, reinforced plastic, foam board, corrugated-core board, etc., that gives the backing member the necessary stiffness for retaining a bowed shape when properly installed in the manner discussed above relative to barrier panels 120A-C, 220, 320, 420, 504. It is noted relative to joist-to-joist bias-type installations that at least some of these materials may be subject to creep, or set, over a relatively short period of time such that when panel 600 is used in an overhead, or perhaps even a vertical installation, one or more retainers, such as wire retainers 136 of FIG. 1, may be needed for long-term stability of the installation.

For example, an actual sample of panel 600 made of a particular type of fiberboard experienced enough creep over about a six-week period that the self-supporting biasing force of the installed panel reduced to a level that the panel began to slip. In this case, wire retainers were provided to limit the ultimate amount of slippage. Generally, if a panel of the present invention can retain its self-supporting biasing force for more than the few minutes it typically takes to install the panel, any adjacent panels, and the retainers needed, this would be suitable for many installations. Virtually all practical installation situations would be satisfied if the panel retains its self-supporting basing force for at least a day. Of course, longer self-supporting biasing force retentions times can be even more desirable. Indeed, some materials may experience so little creep over very long periods of time that retainers are not needed at all over the life of the installation.

In one embodiment, backing member 604 is made of a high-density cellulose pressboard. The flexural strength of this material as measured under the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard D-790 may range from 2,000 PSI to 20,000 PSI, the modulus of elasticity under ASTM D-790 may range from 2×10³ PSI to 2×10⁸ PSI and the density under ASTM D-3394 may range from 0.50 gm/cc to 1.5 gm/cc. Based on this material and depending on the application, the thickness of backing member 604 may range from about 0.020″ to about 0.315″. At thickness much greater than this, it can become difficult to flex panel 600 by hand even at the lower end of the flexural strength range so that these greater thicknesses would typically not be suitable for joist-to-joist bias-type installations or installations similar to the installation of FIG. 8 in which a flat panel would have to be flexed before fastening to the flooring or similar structure.

Reflective layer 608 may be made of any one or more heat reflective materials, such as a metal foil, or metalized plastic, among others. Reflective layer 608 may be coextensive with backing member 604. However, in alternative embodiments, reflective layer 608 may be smaller in facial area than the facial area of backing member 604. Reflective layer 608 may be attached to backing member 604 in any manner appropriate for the materials selected for the reflective layer and backing member, such as adhesive bonding, heat bonding, chemical bonding, mechanical fastening, welding, and brazing, among others. Those skilled in the art will readily understand which attachment method is most appropriate for a particular combination of materials.

For a joist-to-joist bias-type installation of barrier panel 600, as discussed above the relaxed overall width ROW of the panel between framing member engaging edges 600A-B woiuld be selected to be greater than the clear spacing between the adjacent framing member between which the barrier panel is designed to be installed. For example, if the clear spacing is 14.5 inches (36.8 cm) (which is typical for 16 inch (40.64 cm) on-center spacing and conventional “2-by” dimension lumber), width W may be, say, 15.75 inches (40.01 cm). Actually, width ROW may generally fall within a large range of values greater than the clear spacing, but, practically speaking, in order to keep the curvature of the bowed shape reasonable, a relaxed overall width ROW of at least the clear spacing between the framing members at issue plus about 1 inch (2.54 cm) or more is typically desirable to account for deviations in framing member placement and other deviations so that a barrier panel has a sufficient bow when installed in spaces having dimensions within anticipated tolerances. As mentioned above relative to barrier panel 120A-C of FIGS. 1-4, the length L of barrier panel 600 may be any length in a wide range of values. However, length L will typically be determined on practical considerations, such as ease of handling and/or shipping.

FIGS. 10A-B illustrate an alternative barrier panel 700 of the present invention. Barrier panel 700 differs from barrier panel 600 in two primary respects. First, while barrier panel 700 of FIGS. 10A-B has a backing member 704 and reflective layer 708 in a manner similar to barrier panel 600 of FIGS. 9A-B, reflective layer 708 does not extend entirely to the longitudinal structural member engaging edges 700A-B of barrier panel 700, nor to the edges 700C-D at the ends of length L′. While it will typically be desirable to have the reflective layer, if present, cover the entire backing member when this type of two-layer construction is used for a barrier panel of the present invention, barrier panel 700 illustrates that this is not a necessity. The other primary difference between barrier panel 700 and barrier panel 600 is that barrier panel 700 is manufactured to have a bowed shape, or curvature, in its relaxed state. In other words, barrier panel is “pre-curved” during manufacturing.

Generally, pre-curved barrier panel may be configured for use in either a sprung-type installation, e.g., like barrier panels 220, 320 of FIGS. 5 and 6, respectively, or in a non-sprung-type installation, e.g., like barrier 500 of FIG. 8. In the first case, the relaxed overall width ROW′ should be greater than the frame bay clear spacing at issue so as to require an interference fit between a pair of adjacent framing members (not shown). However, since barrier panel 700 is pre-bowed, for a desired installed bow offset (see installed bow offset IBO of FIG. 1), the relaxed overall width ROW′ will obviously be less than it would be for a flat panel since the uninstalled pre-bowed panel starts with a nonzero relaxed bow offset RBO, whereas the uninstalled relaxed flat panel starts with no bow offset whatsoever. In a non-sprung-type installation, relaxed overall width ROW′ will typically be less than the clear spacing at issue.

FIG. 11 illustrates yet another radiant heat barrier 800 of the present invention. In this embodiment, barrier 800 may comprise a plurality of modular units 804 that each generally correspond to an individual one of panels 120A-C shown in FIG. 2. That is, depending upon the length of framing bay 808, a particular installation may require more than one modular unit 804 to sufficiently fill the bay, or at least the portion of the bay requiring barrier 800. Barrier 800 is designed to mimic thermally insulated barrier panels 220, 320 of FIGS. 5 and 6 in an integrated modular unit 804 that includes both a concave reflective surface 812 and thermal insulation 816. In one embodiment, thermal insulation 816 may be a block of rigid foam insulation, such as expanded polyisocyanurate insulation or expanded polystyrene insulation. Correspondingly, concave reflective surface 812 may be considered to be located within a trough 820 formed within the block of insulation 816.

The width W of modular unit 804 will be less than the clear spacing CS′″ between adjacent framing members 824A-B to one extend or another. For example, a width W that provides a gap 828 between modular unit 804 and one or both framing members 824A-B wide enough for an expand-in-place foam to be injected into this gap would allow the units to be secured in place with the expand-in-place foam 832. If, however, gap 828 is too small for injecting foam or other product, modular unit 804 may be secured in place using other means, such as adhesive (not shown) on the flats 836A-B or insulation hangers, among other things. Some installations, such as ceiling installation may not need to be secured at all.

Reflective surface 812 may be provided by attaching a foil or other heat reflective material 840 to insulation 816. Reflective material 840 may be provided across entire width W of the upper surface of modular unit 804 or, alternatively, may be provided only in the concave region of the unit. Preferably, though not necessarily, the width Wc of the concave region, or trough 820, should be as great a possible, taking into consideration any need to provide flats 836A-B for installation needs and/or the need to inhibit damage to modular unit 804 during shipping and handling. For example, it is desirable that width Wc of the concave region, or trough 820, be at least twenty-five percent of clear spacing CS″″ and, more preferably, seventy-five percent or more of the clear spacing.

Although the invention has been described and illustrated with respect to exemplary embodiments thereof, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and various other changes, omissions and additions may be made therein and thereto, without parting from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 

1. A radiant heating system for installation in a structure including a heated space and having at least one framing bay defined by a pair of adjacent framing members and having a first longitudinal axis, the radiant heating system comprising: (a) a radiant heating element configured to be located proximate to or within the at least one framing bay defined by the pair of adjacent framing members, said heating element designed to provide heat to the heated space when installed; and (b) a radiant heat barrier configured to be installed in the at least one framing bay, said radiant heat barrier comprising a substantially rigid member including, when installed in the at least one framing bay, a concave surface spaced from said heating element and facing said heating element and the heated space, said concave surface defining a concave region having a second longitudinal axis parallel to the first longitudinal axis of the at least one framing bay when installed therein.
 2. A radiant heating system according to claim 1, wherein the framing bay has a clear spacing between the pair of adjacent framing members, said concave region having a first width transverse to said second longitudinal axis that is at least twenty-five percent of the clear spacing when said radiant heat barrier is installed.
 3. A radiant heating system according to claim 2, wherein said first width is at least seventy-five percent of the clear spacing.
 4. A radiant heating system according to claim 1, wherein, when said radiant heat barrier is installed, said radiant heat barrier comprises at least one curved panel defining said concave region.
 5. A radiant heating system according to claim 4, wherein, when said radiant heat barrier is installed, said at least one panel is at least initially sprung between the pair of adjacent framing members within the framing bay so that said at least one radiant heat barrier panel has a bowed shape defining said concave region.
 6. A radiant heating system according to claim 4, wherein the framing bay includes a spanning structure spanning between and supported by the framing members and, when said radiant heat barrier is installed, said at least one panel is secured to the spanning structure.
 7. A radiant heating system according to claim 6, wherein said at least one panel includes lateral margin securements for securing said at least one panel to said spanning structure.
 8. A radiant heating system according to claim 7, wherein said lateral margin securements include laterally extending flanges.
 9. A radiant heating system according to claim 7, wherein said lateral margin securements include lateral tabs.
 10. A radiant heating system according to claim 4, wherein said concave surface is thermally reflective.
 11. A radiant heating system according to claim 10, wherein said at least one panel comprises a thermally reflective layer secured to a backing member.
 12. A radiant heating system according to claim 1, wherein said radiant heat barrier comprises at least one modular unit that includes a trough defining said concave region.
 13. A radiant heating system according to claim 10, wherein said at least one modular unit comprises an expanded foam block.
 14. A radiant heating system according to claim 11, wherein said trough contains a thermally reflective material secured to said expanded foam block.
 15. A method of installing a radiant heat barrier in a radiant heating system of a structure having a heated space and that includes a framing bay having a longitudinal axis, the framing bay located between a pair of adjacent framing members having a clear spacing therebetween, the heating system including a radiant heating element configured to be located proximate to or within the at least one framing bay, the heating element designed to provide heat to the heated space, the method comprising: (a) providing a radiant heat barrier comprising a substantially rigid body having a concave surface that defines a concave region extending along said radiant heat barrier at least when said radiant heat barrier is installed; and (b) installing said radiant heat barrier in the framing bay so that said concave surface faces the heated space and the radiant heating element.
 16. A method according to claim 15, wherein the framing bay has a clear spacing between the pair of adjacent framing members and step (a) further includes providing a radiant heat barrier in which said concave region has a first width that is at least twenty-five percent of the clear spacing.
 17. A method according to claim 16, wherein step (a) further includes providing a radiant heat barrier in which said first width is at least seventy-five percent of the clear spacing.
 18. A method according to claim 15, wherein step (a) includes providing an initially flat radiant heat barrier panel and step (b) includes springing said initially flat radiant heat barrier panel between the framing members so as to form said concave region.
 19. A method according to claim 15, wherein step (a) includes providing a pre-curved radiant heat barrier panel.
 20. A method according to claim 19, wherein step (b) includes springing said pre-curved radiant heat barrier panel between the framing members.
 21. A method according to claim 19, wherein the framing bay includes a spanning structure supported by, and spanning, said framing members, step (b) including securing said-pre-curved radiant heat barrier panel to the spanning structure.
 22. A method according to claim 21, wherein step (a) includes a plurality of lateral margin securements and step (b) includes securing said pre-curved radiant heat barrier panel to the spanning member using said lateral margin securements.
 23. A method according to claim 15, wherein step (a) includes providing a radiant heat modular unit comprising a longitudinal trough, step (b) including installing said radiant heat modular unit in said framing bay so that said longitudinal trough faces the heating element and the heated space.
 24. A method according to claim 23, wherein step (a) includes providing a radiant heat modular unit comprising an expanded foam block defining said trough, said trough being lined with a heat reflective material.
 25. A radiant heat barrier for installation in a structure including a heated space and a radiant heating system for heating the heated space, the structure including at least one framing bay having a first longitudinal axis and being defined by a pair of adjacent framing members having a clear spacing therebetween, the radiant heating system comprising at least one radiant heat element for providing heat to the heated space, the radiant heat barrier comprising: a member having a length and being substantially flexurally stiff in a direction transverse to said length, said member having a configuration selected so that, at least when said member is installed in the at least one framing bay such that said length extends parallel to the first longitudinal axis of the framing bay, said member has a longitudinal concave surface extending along said length and facing the heating element and the heated space.
 26. A radiant heat barrier according to claim 25, wherein, at least when said member is installed in the at least one framing bay, said concave surface defines a concave region having a width selected to be greater than about twenty-five percent of the clear spacing between the pair of adjacent framing members.
 27. A radiant heat barrier according to claim 26, wherein said width is selected to be greater than about seventy-five percent of the clear spacing.
 28. A radiant heat barrier according to claim 25, wherein said member is a panel.
 29. A radiant heat barrier according to claim 28, wherein said panel comprises a backing member and a thermally reflective material applied to said backing member, said thermally reflective material defining said concave surface.
 30. A radiant heat barrier according to claim 28, wherein said panel is designed to at least initially be sprung between the adjacent framing members.
 31. A radiant heat barrier according to claim 25, wherein said panel is flat prior to being installed in the at least one framing bay.
 32. A radiant heat barrier according to claim 31, wherein said panel is designed to at least initially be sprung between the adjacent framing members.
 33. A radiant heat barrier according to claim 25, wherein said panel is pre-curved prior to being installed in the at least one framing bay.
 34. A radiant heat barrier according to claim 33, wherein said panel is designed to at least initially be sprung between the adjacent framing members.
 35. A radiant heat barrier according to claim 33, wherein said panel includes lateral margin securements for securing said panel in said framing bay.
 36. A radiant heat barrier according to claim 25, wherein said member is a modular unit that includes a longitudinal trough containing said concave surface.
 37. A radiant heat barrier according to claim 25, wherein said modular unit comprises an expanded foam block and a thermally reflective material secured to said expanded foam block and present within said longitudinal trough. 